Search The Guide

Keyword for search

11 Fun Activities To Do With Kids In The Highlands

April 18, 2019

It’s no mean feat keeping kids entertained. Where DO they get all that energy? Thankfully in The Highlands we have loads of options for some fun time out with children. It doesn’t matter if your mini me likes nature, creativity, action, theatre or eating out……there is bound to be something in this list to keep them (and you!) happy.

ImaginArta Puppet Show

Did you know Sutton Forest has its very own weekly puppet show? The talented ImaginArta team has been performing every Sunday at 11:00am since 2015! Visiting puppeteers from overseas and all across Australia regularly visit and perform, with shows changing regularly. It’s a fun morning out for kids (and the parents have a good laugh too!). Buy tickets online – kids are $10.50 and adults are $15.00.And pop into the Sutton Forest Inn afterwards for some lunch and a run around on the grass behind the pub.

Glow Worm Glen

Hunt for some very cool little critters on a night time exploring adventure in Bundanoon. Glow Worm Glen is inside Morton National Park and roughly a one hour walk. It may not be suitable for the whole family as its best done at night, but sooo worth the trip if you come across these shiny little creatures. Access the walk from the end of William Street and if you work up an appetite, visit the newly refurbished Bundanoon Hotel for some wood fired pizza or something yummy from the new carvery.

The Plaster Pitt

This is one fabulous space for kids who love getting creative. A new local business in Bowral, The Plaster Pitt has made a big splash in a short time. There are school holiday workshops, a Creative Kids Club after school and of course, they’re open for plaster painting every day except Tuesday. Neeny’s Playhouse at Mittagong for some climbing and sliding fun, and Bowral’s Play Party Zone for pinball wizards are also worth a visit!

Lake Alexandra

An easy walk from Mittagong town centre, Lake Alexandra is a favourite with locals. The pathway around the lake is perfect for little people on scooters, the recently refurbished playground keeps the kids busy, and there is access to easy grade bushwalks if you fancy doing some exploring. Pack a hamper and a blanket then plonk yourself down for a picnic in the sun with the kidlets.

Ah, bowling. Nothing like a bit of family bonding over some knock-em-down action! All ages are catered for with lightweight balls and bumpers available on all lanes and for the bigger kids, the arcade games are a real hit. Something for them to do when they’ve stopped laughing at you in your bowling /clown shoes. Oh, and don’t forget your socks! Open 7 days. Prices start from $11 Kids and $16 Adults

Fitzroy Falls Bushwalk

We love the jaw-dropping views from the Fitzroy Falls bushwalking tracks. Park at the Fitzroy Falls Visitor’s Centre and choose which escarpment you’re going to follow – East Rim or West Rim. Both are fairly easy walks which suits most ages and fitness levels, with plenty of fencing and lookouts for photo opps. We also love the cold drinks and ice blocks at the Visitors Centre Café for a post-walk treat! If you’re keen to keep exploring and you’ve packed a picnic, continue along Nowra Road and pull off at the Southern Highlands Sailing Club. Pop your blanket down on the banks of Fitzroy Falls Reservoir while the kids test out the playground equipment.

Empire Cinema

The Empire Cinema in Bowral is an obvious choice for keeping kids entertained (and hands up the adults who secretly LOVE “having to go” to all the kids movies!). Empire Cinema suits all ages, and children under 12 can join the Empire Kids Club to earn rewards each time they visit and often the G and PG movies are at a discounted rate. And of course, the best thing about going to the movies….popcorn and choc tops! Open 7 days. Prices start from $10.

There is something fun about sliding into a booth at the 1950’s styled Bernie’s and ordering a milkshake that arrives in a proper stainless steel cup (it keeps it super cold, people!) and a hot dog that gets served up in a basket. Such a fun and casual atmosphere at this Moss Vale institution! The after school happy hour is a winner too with $5 hot dogs and $3 milkshakes available from 3-5pm.

Bike Riding Along Bong Bong

The Bong Bong Track is a family friendly pathway for walkers, joggers and cyclists running behind Briar’s Inn and Burradoo. It’s mostly flat so easy for riders of all ages and skill level and of course, it’s off road so little ones don’t have to deal with traffic. Just watch out for rogue ducks and of course, wriggly sticks that have been spotted on the track every now and then. The best place to access the Bong Bong Track is off Moss Vale Road. If you’re coming from Moss Vale way, head over the bridge at Bong Bong Common and turn right at the Cecil Hoskins Access Road. If you’re coming from the north, turn left about 500 metres after Briars inn.

Cherry Tree Walk

Sometimes the best thing you can do with kids is get them outside to burn off some energy! The beautiful Cherry Tree Walk in Bowral is the perfect place to do that. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, the Cherry Tree Walk is always awash with colour and garden gorgeousness. A 5 kilometre walk, you can stroll it, roll it, ride it or run it (if you’re keeping up with kids, you might be doing all of the above!). Finish the walk at Merrigang Street (before it turns into Venables Park) and head down to Raw & Wild Cafe for a delicious and healthy smoothie (the kids won’t even know it’s good for them!). Or follow the pathway to Boolwey Street and peel off for an ice block at the Bradman Café and burn off more energy at the Glebe Park kids’ playground. We see an afternoon nap in your future…...! Cross fingers.

Cool Off With A Swim

There is something about swimming that wears kids out big time – yippee! Moss Vale Aquatic Centre is a year round favourite, thanks to its fun water playground and indoor pool. Mittagong Pool recently reopened and is a beautiful spot to swim with the family. Bowral Pool is central and close to the Cherry Tree Walk if you fancy combining a walk with a swim afterwards to cool off. We are also lucky enough to have plenty of fantastic swimming holes, perhaps more suited to bigger kids who don’t mind a bit of a trek on foot to access these natural waterholes. Check out some of our favourites here.

...

This blog features friends and advertisers of The Fold Southern Highlands and is fully endorsed by The Fold Southern Highlands. We strongly believe in the businesses and all the information we share with you on The Fold and we're excited to share the amazing stories and adventures of our local businesses. We want to say a BIG thank you to you for supporting our sponsors who help make The Fold possible.